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[Editors note: Welcome Aboard also to Zach Libby, the newest TOC contributor. Zach hails from the State News, and will be helping out with both Football and Basketball, especially recruiting (woo-hoo!) - JT]
With God's guidance, I am officially committing to Michigan State University! I truly believe MSU is the right place for me . #GoGreen ✳️⬜️
— - JLXIII™ (@JustinLayne0) April 25, 2015
Looking at the list of offers that Justin Layne, a four-star wide receiver, has received since his recruitment opened up, it's remarkable how Michigan State beat out that many renowned programs for the 2016 prospect.
Layne, hailing from Benedictine High (Cleveland), became the sixth commitment for head coach Mark Dantonio last week, and the fourth to commit during the weekend of MSU's spring game.
The Spartans, beating out Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama, now have two pass catchers in next year's class, joining Sickerville, (N.J) Timber Creek's Cameron Chambers.
Three-star running back Abdul Adams opened up the trend that Friday before the team scrimmage by tweeting out that he'll spend his college career in East Lansing. And just around kick off at Spartan Stadium, Layne also tweeted out that he'll attend MSU, stating that it's "the right place for him."
Layne is ranked No. 34 by Rivals.com and No. 28 by 247Sports among all wide receivers in the country. He is also ranked 232nd in the ESPN top 300.
At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, the scouting reports on Layne stat that he currently lacks the necessary strength and weight needed as a collegiate receiver, which can be worked on in the coming years. However, he does have a long frame that allows him to be a disruptive force on offense, taking advantage of cornerbacks with his long arms and agility.
The 2016 class stands at seven players, which includes pro style quarterback Messiah deWeaver, offensive lineman Matthew Allen, linebacker Joe Bachie and tight end Noah Davis, the latest commitment among the class.
"First off, Michigan State has always been a great program, so that's a given," Layne told the Detroit Free Press. "But if you want to play for a coach that treats you like a family, like your son, I'd say play for Michigan State. No other school treated me like how they treated me coming in, open. I love the coaching staff and I love it down there."